







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| A flat is not a good idea for Bear, it doesn't have a garden. | |
| Is it because the other tenants don't want pets? | |
| These days I'm into 60's, 70's remixes. | |
| Do they weigh them here or at the checkout? | |
| Oh, I think I know them. | |
| Mike, teriyaki is Japanese, we are at a Chinese restaurant. | |
| Yes, that's the one. | |
| That's a perfect time to see a house... | |
| Do you remember the pub's name? | |
| I'm sorry guys, there is no negotiation on the rent! | |
| I'm on my way to Brighton, nearly there! | |
| I guess you need to change your cooking plan now! | |
| What do you think, dear, do you like it, too? | |
| I don't have time to cook everyday. | |
| No, no, nothing is wrong, no need to worry, we are all fine... | |
| So Pogo gets on very well with dogs. | |
| Here you go sir, this is your receipt and your £20 cashback. | |
| But before we go, can you call them and ask if they are okay with pets? | |
| Toby! This is Cate, she is my... friend, from London. | |
| Yeah, I think it's a bit early to knock on someone's door! | |